The two-mile dirt road into Camel Lake Campground winds through dense forest before opening to reveal ten spacious sites overlooking a small lake. This US Forest Service facility operates year-round within Apalachicola National Forest, accommodating RVs up to 80 feet with both hookup and primitive options available.
Curtis D. notes the campground "was very clean" with separate shower facilities for men and women that provide hot water. The outer ring of sites offers more privacy than the inner loop, with all campsites positioned within easy walking distance of the restroom facilities. Campers consistently report quiet evenings despite occasional weekend crowds, and the on-site host maintains a helpful but unobtrusive presence.
The lake serves as the main attraction, featuring a designated swimming area and boat launch suitable for kayaks. A hiking trail circles the water, providing access for fishing and wildlife viewing. R C. describes the "nice open day use waterfront area" where campers gather during warmer months. Alligators inhabit the far side of the lake, adding a distinctly Florida element to the camping experience.
Reservations through Recreation.gov are required, with rates at $20 for primitive sites and $30 for water and electric hookups. GPS navigation can be unreliable in this remote location, so campers should look for the Camel Lake sign marking Forest Road 105. The access road may become challenging in wet conditions, particularly for vehicles without four-wheel drive.
For those planning extended stays in the region, Big Gully Landing Hunt Camp provides dispersed camping options just a few miles southwest.
Description
Overview
Camel Lake Recreation Area provides a quiet place to relax and take in the beauty of the longleaf pine forest. Camping, swimming, hiking, and boating opportunities are all available, focused on the crystal-clear waters of Camel Lake.
Recreation
Above the lake's rim, the focal points of this recreation area are the well-shaded ten-site campground, suitable for RVs or tents, and the day use recreation area with its picnic tables, picnic shelter, and sandy beach for swimming. A short loop trail surrounds the lake, with longer loops possible incorporating the nearby Florida National Scenic Trail.
Facilities
Some of the campsites have electricity, and there is a bathhouse with flush toilets in the campsite and in the day-use area. A campground host is always available. The day-use parking lots, picnic areas, and restrooms are accessible. Hours of operation through the summer are 8 am to 8 pm (April 1st - Oct 31st) and through the winter are 8 am to 6 pm (Nov 1st - March 31st).
Natural Features
The Apalachicola is one of the most bio diverse places in the world, and Camel Lake places you in the middle of this natural treasure. You will be surrounded by tall longleaf pines and wiregrass, while seepage slopes in the forest create pitcher plant bogs. Rare pine savannahs are just to the south and the creeks and swamps around host a wide variety of animal life.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby, several boat landings provide access to the numerous creeks that feed into the Apalachicola River. The Apalachee Savannahs Scenic Byway and the Big Bend Scenic Byway provide beautiful views of pine savannahs, and they make excellent routes for trips down to the coast, which is only about an hour south.
Charges & Cancellations
Refunds can not be made on site. Refunds must be processed by Recreation.gov
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCamel Lake Campground is located in Florida near Bristol
Directions
Take SR 20 west from Tallahassee through Hosford to Bristol. Turn south on SR 12. Continue south to the Apalachicola National Forest boundary sign and look for a sign for Camel Lake soon after you pass the work station and trailhead on the left. Turn left on Forest Road 105, which is an unpaved road. Drive 2 miles to the recreation area entrance on the right.
Address
23239 NW CAMEL LAKE RD
Bristol, FL 32321
Coordinates
30.27715 N
84.9866 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 1/20/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/9/26- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 6/9/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 1/20/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/9/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 6/9/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 4 min from Panama City, FL
- 1 hr 5 min from Tallahassee, FL
- 1 hr 31 min from Dothan, AL
- 1 hr 55 min from Crestview, FL
